Grilli reports, Torrealba still absent

Posted By
Patrick Saunders
On
February 18, 2009 @ 10:08 am
In
General Rockies |
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Tucson – Jason Grilli is ready to think about baseball again.

But first he had to tend to important family matters, saying goodbye to his 88-year-old grandmother, who died recently.

“For me, it’s always been God, family and work, in that order,” the Rockies’ right-handed reliever said this morning after reporting for his first day at spring training.

Although Grilli is back, catcher Yorvit Torrealba, attending to family matters in Venezuela, had not checked in as of this morning.

Grilli, who’s re-energized his career last year after the Tigers traded him to Colorado on April 30, is excited about his chances.

“I had a very good offseason and I’m ready to go,” said Grilli, who will pitch for Italy in the World Baseball Classic. “I will communicate with the coaches and I know they won’t rush me. I have a little bit of making up to do, but not a lot.”

Grilli threw 40-50 pitch bullpen sessions during the offseason and said his arm feels strong. He projects as a middle reliever, but he said he’s ready to fill whatever role the Rockies ask of him.

“I really enjoy the back end of the bullpen, being in pressure situations where things are maybe more meaningful, so we’ll see how it works out,” he said.